Spread of Islam in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

This flow chart shows the development and Spread of Islam in North Africa. The followers of Muhammad traveled across North Africa and took control of Tunisia. Naturally, since Muslims were occupying the area, there were interactions between Muslims and the residing Africans. For many reasons, the message of Islam was very well accepted through these interactions.

This flow chart shows that the main reason for Islam's emergence in Sub-Saharan Africa was the fact that the reformist group known as the Almoravids went on a spiritual jihad and provided Muslims with the push they needed to spread their faith. Other less significant factors include trade and exchange of ideas, which are always present, but should never be looked over.

Summary of Spread of Islam in North and Sub-Saharan Africa
Muslims traveled across Africa and continually conquered territories they passed from 640 – 700 CE. Around 670 CE Islam had taken its hold over most of North Africa (Ifriqiya). Even with their newly gained land, the Arabs continued to expand into other nations and territories. They made their way to Spain in 711 CE and continued into Europe. The only stop to their conquest was a defeat in France to Charles Martel in 732 CE. Everywhere the Muslims had expanded, they had also spread their faith. Many Africans rapidly converted to Islam in this time period. There were many reasons that the conversion to Islam for most Africans was so easy. For one, the fact that all Muslims were considered equal within the faith made it much easier to accept Arab conquerors. Also, close Muslim ties between religion and state allowed African rulers to strengthen their power (Caliphs). Lastly, even newly converted Muslims had equal rights under the law. These factors allowed the message of Islam to be very well received by African communities and leaders.
Soon after these happenings and developments in North Africa, a reformist group called Almoravids developed among the desert people, or Berbers. This group set out on a jihad, or a religious war, and penetrated Sub-Saharan Africa enough for Islam to spread there too, for all of the same reasons. These radical groups were essential for Islam to have such a strong hold over North and Sub-Saharan Africa. Groups such as these are very important in Islam, even today, as they are completely dedicated to purifying the faith and preserving the original teachings of Muhammad.
Later in the 13th century, Islamic expansion continued along the Swahili Coast. This influence promoted long distance trade with many places around the world, continually spreading the faith. It also created a sense of trust between all of the Muslim ports in the Indian Ocean. The ruling families in these ports constructed many mosques and palaces, physical evidence of the increased spread of Islam.